From all of us here at Walking In The Way, have a safe, happy, and blessed New Year!

A Passion to Know Christ

Read | Philippians 3:3-11

Most believers know the essential facts about their Savior’s life, but few know Him well relationally. They’re so busy with activities and pursuits that they rarely think of Jesus until a desperate situation arises.

Yet those who know the Lord intimately have a continually deepening relationship with Him. He’s their top priority, and every possession, accomplishment, or pursuit is worthless compared to knowing Him. Consider the results of making Christ the passion of your life (Phil. 3:8-10):

Increasing hunger: “that I may gain Christ.” Even though Paul had an amazing relationship with Jesus, his passion was so great that he wanted to know Him more.

Changed life: “the righteousness which comes from God.” The more we know Christ, the more we’ll mature spiritually and display His righteousness.

Increased capability: “the power of His resurrection.” The Spirit’s power flows through those intimately related to Jesus.

New perspective: “the fellowship of His sufferings.” When we understand Christ, we recognize the benefits He works in us through our suffering.

Victorious living: “being conformed to His death.” Christians who know Jesus intimately count themselves dead to the sins that once dominated their lives.

Is your life characterized by a deep, abiding passion for Christ, or is your relationship with Him shallow and mechanical? Believers must not let the pleasures, opportunities, and responsibilities of this world rob them of the treasure of knowing Jesus. It’s time to count it all as loss and pursue Christ.

Promise Land

We also have a land that God has set before us. It is the promised land of the Kingdom of God. We are to contend for the faith and compel sinners to come in. If you have never shared your faith, take courage, and do it. Ask someone what he thinks happens after we die, and let him do the talking. Just hearing people share their thoughts on the subject will help you to deal with your own fears.

Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on this side of the Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain opposite Suph, between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 2It is eleven days’journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. 3Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first dayof the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them, 4after he had killed Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who dwelt at Ashtaroth in Edrei.

Consequences

Amazingly, the king succumbed to pride despite having been forewarned of this very thing—and its dire consequences. We are to warn the lost of the consequences of their sin and plead with them to submit to God, but many will tragically reject our pleas.

To strip a man of his pride, show him the requirements of God’s holy Law. It reveals that he has the heart of a beast (v. 16) and brings him to a point of understanding that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses (v. 32). Like the prodigal son of Jesus’ parable, when the sinner sees his sinfulness in the bright light of God’s Law, he sees that his desire is for pig food and he comes to his senses (vv. 34–37).

Daniel 4:30 The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”

God is All in All

The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1

God rules, God reigns. God, and God alone. And His way is right. It leads to His glory.

Deep within the hearts of men and women, even though most would never acknowledge it, is the realization that we really don't have the final answer.

There is this little hidden clause tucked away in the deep recesses of most thinking minds that says, "There may be a God after all."

When we take this to the ultimate future for humanity, God is sovereignly in charge.

One second after they die, the men and women who have rejected and resisted the Lord for years will step into eternity. One second . . . and they will be totally at a loss to determine their future.

God's sovereignty steps over their lives and sets forth His decree, "That God may be all in all" [1 Corinthians 15:28].

Just Anger

What a fearful day it will be when Almighty God reveals His just anger against all evil. As Jesus predicted (see Matt. 24:38), people will be as they were in the days of Noah, eating and drinking, with no thoughts of God’s anger against sin or concerns about judgment. Yet, each time the ungodly sin against God’s Law, they store up His wrath that will be revealed on Judgment Day. Take the time to study Rom. 2:1–16, and pray that God gives you an empathy that will drive you to reach out to the lost, to plead with them to flee from His wrath. Make sure you have Paul’s testimony: “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:11).

Zephaniah 3:8 “Therefore wait for Me,” says the Lord, “Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations To My assembly of kingdoms, To pour on them My indignation, All My fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy.

For All Nations

“Some people seem to think we have got beyond the commandments. What did Christ say? 'Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets; I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.' The commandments of God given to Moses in the Mount at Horeb are as binding today as ever they have been since the time they were proclaimed in the hearing of the people. The Jews said the law was not given in Palestine (which belonged to Israel), but in the wilderness, because the law was for all nations.” D. L. Moody

2 Chronicles 5:10 Nothing was in the ark except the two tablets which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they had come out of Egypt.

From all of us here at Walking In The Way ministries, "Have a very Merry Christmas! And my God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!! "

What's in a Gift?

For unto us a child is born . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
–Isaiah 9:6

To Christians the joy of Christmas is not limited to His birth. It is built even more on the triumph of His death and resurrection—that gave meaning to His birth. The mysterious spirit of generosity which possesses us at Christmas is the afterglow of Calvary. The fact of the cross illuminates this day and hallows it. As we exchange our gifts, let us remember that they are symbolic of the unspeakable gift of God’s love.

I do not believe that Christians should be giving expensive gifts to each other. We should quietly give simple little gifts that are expressions of our love and devotion to the recipients. These gifts become symbolic of the gift of God’s love. How much money could be saved and invested in the Kingdom of God by thousands of Christian families every year if the true meaning of Christmas was observed.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Loving God, my heavenly Father, in Your gift of Jesus I see Your immeasurable love reaching out to all mankind. How I praise You and adore You!

Idolatrous Understanding

An idolatrous understanding of God is always at the core of the pride of man. But when the holiness of the Law of God is paraded before a sinful heart, it stirs the conscience and humbles a man. It brings him to his rightful place—on his face before Almighty God.

Isaiah 2:17 The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; The Lord alone will be exalted in that day,

Neglect of Soul

“Blessed is the man who reveres God, but the man who doesn’t care is headed for serious trouble.”
–Proverbs 28:14 (TLB)

All Christians believe in God, but many Christians have little time for God. They are too busy with everyday affairs to be taken up with Bible reading, prayer, and being thoughtful to their fellowmen. Many of them have lost the spirit of a zealous discipleship. If you ask them if they are Christians, they would probably answer, “I think so,” or, “I hope so.” They may go to church at Easter and Christmas and on other special occasions, but otherwise they have little time for God. They have crowded God out of their lives.

The Bible warns against neglect of your soul. It is possible to harden your heart and shrivel your soul, until you lose your appetite for the things of God. This hunger, then, that you should have is a desire to be always right with God. It is a consciousness that all searching for peace of heart, except in Him, is in vain.

Deliverance

Egypt’s deliverance depended upon their faith. Had they not believed Joseph, they would not have bothered to store up for the future during the times of plenty. Our salvation rests on faith in Jesus and God’s Word. If we did not believe that there is a coming Judgment Day, we would not trust in the righteousness of Christ. We would instead gorge ourselves during the times of plenty—in the pleasurable sins of this world.

Genesis 41:30 but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land.

A God of Justice

What joy there is for anyone whose sins are no longer counted against him by the Lord.
–Romans 4:8 (TLB)

A number of years ago I was stopped for driving too fast in a speed zone, and in the courtroom I pleaded guilty. The judge was not only friendly but embarrassed for me to be in his court. The fine was ten dollars. If he had let me go free, it would have been inconsistent with justice. The penalty had to be paid either by me or someone else! Judgment is consistent with love. A God of love must be a God of justice. It is because God loves that He is just. His justice balances His love and makes His acts of both love and justice meaningful.

God could not consistently love men, if He did not provide for the judgment of evil-doers. His punishment of the evil-doer and His separation of the righteous is a manifestation of God’s great love. We must always look at the cross on the dark background of judgment. It was because God’s love for man was so intense that He gave His Son, so that man would not have to face judgment. -Billy Graham

PRAYER FOR THE DAY
You are the Supreme Judge, almighty God, and I thank You that even though I did not deserve forgiveness, my judgment was paid by Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

David's Devotion

Read | Psalm 42:1-8

Do you want to know who God is and what He cares about most in your life? You may have stored up lots of intellectual information about the Bible; that is important, but it’s not the main issue. You may serve the Lord, which is also necessary. And you may give generously to the church—another significant aspect of Christian life. But what matters most is the depth of your personal relationship with the Lord. Knowledge, service, and tithes can never replace intimacy with God.

The psalmist-king understood this truth, and it strengthened him in times of trouble. When his son Absalom tried to take over the throne, David fled to the desert, where he wrote these words: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Ps. 42:1-2). He knew that even in raging adversity, he could count on the Lord’s unfailing love being poured down on him (v. 8).

Throughout his psalms, we repeatedly see David’s hunger and thirst for the Lord. It was that passion—not his brute strength, savvy charisma, or remarkable ability to command an army—that made him a great man. And even though he made several significant mistakes, the Bible describes him as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14).

It’s not enough to read the Bible, volunteer your services, and give money to kingdom work. God wants to know you personally. While physical expressions of our devotion are important, they should be the result of a mature relationship with God. When we seek to know Him first, the rest will follow.

Connecticut School Shooting... Why??? #494

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Paul Washer on inviting men to Christ

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A Life Lived for Christ

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers . . .
–1 Timothy 4:12

Lord Chesterton once said, “I believe in bedside repentance, but I do not want to depend upon it.” During a serious illness a person’s mind does not function normally. Getting right with God is something one should do in the bloom of health. However, as far as the Lord is concerned, “His ear is not heavy that He cannot hear, nor His arm shortened that He cannot save.” He loves us equally, in sickness or in health; while we are living, or while we are dying. In my experience, I have not known of too many people who found Christ on their deathbed. When we come to Christ in our youth, a life is saved. When we come in old age, a soul is salvaged and life eternal is assured; but the opportunity to live a life for Christ has been lost.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Lord God, burden my heart to reach out to the young persons starting their adventure in life—and the old persons dreading the end of their journey. Let me tell them the message of Your saving love.

A Charlie Brown Christmas - Linus's Speech

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Nothing Good

“Without grace all men are of this kind, but especially the self-righteous. Hence Scripture says and concludes: 'All men are liars' (Ps 116:11); and again (Ps 39:5) 'Every man at his best state is altogether vanity'; and (Ps 14:3) 'There is none that does good, no, not one.' But despair follows when a man becomes aware of the reason why he is keeping the Law and recognizes that to love God’s Law is impossible for him, since he finds nothing good in himself but only hatred of the good and lust for the bad.

Then he recognizes that works cannot do justice to the Law. Therefore he despairs of works and disregards them. He ought to have love, but he does not find any and of and by himself can have none. The result must be a poor, miserable, humbled spirit, a man oppressed and frightened through the Law by his conscience, which demands and requires of him what he has not a penny to pay. Yet the Law alone is of benefit to such presumptuous people, for it was given to work this knowledge and humiliation. This is its [the Law’s] proper work...” Martin Luther

Amos 2:4 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have despised the law of the Lord, And have not kept His commandments. Their lies lead them astray, Lies which their fathers followed.

University Pays Up for Expelling Student Over Refusal to Undergo Homosexual Sensitivity Training

A university in Michigan has agreed to pay damages to a student who was expelled for refusing to receive homosexual sensitivity training because she would not affirm a fellow student’s sexual relationship.

Julea Ward, a high school teacher, was enrolled in Eastern Michigan University’s counseling program in 2009 and was just a few courses short of obtaining her third master’s degree when she found herself in a difficult conflict.

Ward had just begun her practicum, a time when she could have first hand experience in counseling while being supervised by one of her professors. Before meeting her first client, she found out that the session would involve a homosexual that was seeking advice regarding their physical relationship. Ward contacted her adviser and explained that as a Christian, she could not condone homosexual behavior. She then was encouraged to have the clinic assign the session to another counselor.

However, soon afterward, Ward’s adviser used the situation against her.

 “The following week, I was told that she would be scheduling an informal review because out of all of the years she had been teaching, she had never encountered somebody that refused to counsel homosexuals,” Ward explained. “I had never refused to counsel homosexuals; I had just simply refused to affirm their lifestyle.”

Therefore, Ward appeared before a small group of university professors who questioned her about her faith.

“They kinda went over with me my position, which was the fact that I could not affirm homosexuality because of my relationship with Christ,” she said. “They went on to say that because of my stance, I was in violation of the Code of Ethics, and that I had three options that I could choose.”

Those options were that Ward either undergo homosexual sensitivity training and amend her ways, face a formal review by the university or leave the program and forfeit her degree. She chose the formal review.

“I thought that perhaps at the formal review hearing there would be some understanding, and there would be some tolerance,” Ward explained. “But, I was met with more intolerance.”

As Ward stood before a panel of three university professors during the formal review, she was questioned about her beliefs, including whether she felt that her “brand” of Christianity was superior to others who profess to be Christians but are accepting of the homosexual lifestyle.

“You’re asking me to sell out God,” she told the panel, who informed her that they would release a decision within a week.

Several days later, Ward received a letter stating that the university had unanimously decided to expel her from the counseling program, which would mean that she would not be able to receive her Master’s degree.

She then filed a federal lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University, but U.S. District Judge George Steeh dismissed the suit in summary judgment.

Upon appeal to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, the court reversed Steeh’s decision, stating that Ward’s case had a right to be heard. The three-judge panel opined that the university may have used its Code of Ethics “as a pretext for punishing Ward’s religious views and speech.”

“A university cannot compel a student to alter or violate her belief systems based on a phantom policy as the price for obtaining a degree,” the ruling outlined. “Why treat Ward differently? That her conflict arose from religious convictions is not a good answer; that her conflict arose from religious convictions for which the department at times showed little tolerance is a worse answer.”

The case then went to trial.

This month, Eastern Michigan University sought to settle the matter with Ward, which resulted in an official order of dismissal of the case.

As part of the settlement, the university agreed to pay for the counseling degree that Ward was forced to obtain from another institution after being expelled. It also stated that it would remove the expulsion from her record.

The university outlined in a news release yesterday that it could not afford to proceed with the case.

“EMU has made the decision that it is in the best interest of its students and the taxpayers of the state of Michigan to resolve the litigation rather than continue to spend money on a costly trial,” stated Walter Kraft, vice president of communications. “The matter has been resolved in the amount of $75,000. The University’s insurance company, M.U.S.I.C. (Michigan Universities Self-Insurance Corporation), will pay the cost of the settlement.”

Kraft noted, however, that the settlement also means that the school will keep its policies in place and will still require counseling students to affirm the homosexual lifestyle.

“The resolution of the lawsuit leaves the University’s policies, programs, and curricular requirements intact,” he explained. “The faculty retains its right to establish, in its learned judgment, the curriculum and program requirements for the counseling program at Eastern Michigan University.”

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which has been representing Ward, said that it is satisfied with the resolution.

“Public universities shouldn’t force students to violate their religious beliefs to get a degree,” said Senior Legal Counsel Jeremy Tedesco, following the settlement. “We are pleased that Julea and her constitutionally protected rights have been vindicated.”

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Christian Dutchman Builds Life-Size Replica of Noah’s Ark, Now Open to Public in Netherlands

Dordrecht, Netherlands – A Christian in the Netherlands has opened his life-size replica of Noah’s ark to the public following three years of work to build it exactly as outlined in Scripture.

John Huibers says that he followed the instructions given to Noah as detailed in Genesis chapters 6-9 in creating the gigantic vessel, which now floats in the waters of Dordrecht, just south of Rotterdam. In modern terminology, the ark spreads 427 feet long, 95 feet wide and 75 feet high.

Inside of the boat, visitors can find a virtual petting zoo of a variety of domestic animals, including horses, sheep, dogs, rabbits and birds. In the absence of more dangerous animals, such as alligators and lions, or other creatures that Huibers was not able to obtain for the display, plastic models stand in their place. It is reported that the ark is filled with a variety of stalls from end to end.

Additionally, visitors can stop by the restaurant housed in the upper level, as well as the two movie theaters, which seat fifty people each. Play areas are also available for small children, complete with hay bails and other animal-related features.

Below the main level is a storage area, which reportedly is comprised of a number of hatches where Noah could have stored food and other needed items for the months-long wait. The outer area of the boat is said to be spacious and contain several stairwells and tables.

Huibers, a builder, is stated to have spent a million dollars to create the ark, which he says was inspired by a nightmare that he had in the 1990′s. He states that in his dream he saw the Netherlands drowned underwater, just as in Noah’s day.

Originally, Huibers created smaller-sized models of the ark, which became available for public viewing in 2004. However, he wanted to construct a life-sized version as well, exactly like the one Noah took 120 years to make, wherein seven of every clean animal and two of every unclean animal were housed on the boat, along with Noah’s family.

Although the aquatic vessel may seem like a lot of fun and games to many, Huibers says that the ark serves a very serious purpose.

“I want to make people question, so that they go looking for answers,” he told reporters. Huibers explained that he wanted the public to remember what the ark was for — a means of salvation — and turn to Jesus Christ to be saved from the wrath to come.

“We want to tell people about God,” he said. “We wanted to build something that can help explain the Bible in real terms.”

Huibers also explained that there has been a bit of confusion over why the ark is opening at this time.
“I had a call from American television,” he stated. “This has nothing to do with the end of the Mayan calendar.”

“They are confused,” Huiber’s daughter Deborah concurred to TV3 News. “[People ask,] ‘Is there really a flood coming again? Is the world going to be destroyed again?’ So the people ask, ‘Can we stay here on board and book a room, and how long can we stay and what will it cost?’ Just to make sure that they will be safe.”

The Christian builder originally wished to transport his ark to the 2012 Olympic games, but had to abandon his plans after the government raised safety concerns. However, now that Huibers has been granted approval to open his ark up to 3,000 people a day, visitors from all over the world have been arriving to get a glimpse of the Biblical boat.

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Colossians 3

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Our Heavenly Appointment

Read | 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Each tick of the clock brings us one second closer to our heavenly appointment with the Lord Jesus. As believers in Christ, we will stand before Him one day and give an account for our lives. At that time we will be held accountable for our actions and recompensed for the choices we made while on earth, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).

This is not a judgment of condemnation. At salvation, when we acknowledged Christ as our Savior, all blame was removed from us (Rom. 8:1). In taking our place on the cross, Jesus bore our sins and experienced the wrath of God against our iniquity (1 Peter 2:24). As a result, the penalty for our sin has been fully paid.

When we stand before our Lord, He’ll look to see which of our choices were in keeping with His will. Every act of obedient service, whether large or small, will be remembered and rewarded. At the same time, I believe there will be loss and tears when our actions of selfishness and unrighteousness are considered.

Colossians 3 gives us a picture of who we are to be and how God wants us to live: our minds should be focused on things above, not earthly matters (v. 2). And we are to get rid of anger, malice, and slander, clothing ourselves instead with compassion, kindness, and patience (vv. 8, 12).

Since the Lord holds us accountable for our actions, it is urgent that we replace ungodly patterns with righteous ways. Both inward attitudes and outward behavior matter to Him. When facing decisions each day, seek scriptural guidance and godly counsel. Then reflect on which choice would please God.

Jesus Christ the sin bearer

Matthew 26:26-27

The cross is so common in our culture that most people don’t think twice when they see one on a church. But unfortunately, familiarity with the symbol can actually get in the way of understanding what it truly means. So let’s stop to consider how Jesus became the bearer of sin.

We begin with Scripture written long before Jesus was born. Genesis, the first book of the Bible, explains how man chose to disobey God. Because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their descendants are all born under the curse of death, having inherited a sinful “flesh” nature.

In Leviticus, God’s laws for the Jewish nation included observance of Yom Kippur, the day each year when the Israelites fasted, prayed, and sacrificed an animal to atone for sin. In essence, the goat would bear the wrongs done by the people and suffer the penalty that divine justice required.

Centuries later, Isaiah prophesied that a Savior would atone for transgression once and for all (Isa. 53:5, 8; Heb. 7:27). After another 700 years, John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Messiah had come, though He was totally different from what the people expected—so much so, in fact, that they rejected Him and requested His crucifixion.

In all, God gave 613 laws through Moses. But none of us can perfectly follow even the Ten Commandments. In fact, one reason He gave us these rules is to show us our need for a Savior (Ps. 19:7; Gal. 3:24). Meditate on those commands (Ex. 20:1-17), asking God to speak to your heart.

The Modern Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Selected Scriptures) John MacAr...

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Jesus: The Divine Light (John 1:6-13) John MacArthur

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Hope Through the Curse (Genesis 3:14-15) John MacArthur

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1 King 2:2-3

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

Discovering God's Will

Read | Psalm 119:105-106

Life involves both small daily choices and large consequential ones. Including God in our decision-making is always the wisest course of action. The Scripture that we have memorized is something the Holy Spirit uses to help us discover God’s will.

The pattern I have found beneficial in making decisions can also help you with choices regarding relationships, finances, health, employment, or other important areas. The first step involves assessing the heart, mind, and will. To receive the Lord’s direction, we need a clean heart, a clear mind, and a surrendered will. Sinful habits can cloud thinking and keep us from understanding His plan. Confessing our sins and turning from them brings cleansing and clarity (1 John 1:9). A stubborn will that says, “I want my way” prevents us from heeding God’s instruction. Instead, we need to surrender our desires and commit ourselves to saying yes to His plan.

The second step is to wait patiently on the Lord for His answer. It takes courage to stand firm, especially when others are telling us what they think we should do. Our own emotions may be pushing us to act now, but we must resist moving ahead of God. To be patient means trusting the Lord while we wait to learn His answer and discover His timing.

Discerning God’s plan requires preparation of our heart, mind, and will. It also often requires patience. During our time of waiting, we are to follow His known will—to be a faithful servant in His kingdom, loving Him with our whole heart, and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39).

Conversations

Michael-Tell someone about Jesus today. Let them know they are blindly walking (in sin) towards the cliff, heading for the fall of God's judgement. Show them you love them by telling them why they need to repent (turn from sin) and trust in Christ. Does fear stop you? What's your worst case? Rejection. What's their worst case? An eternity in Hell. We need to reach out while there is still time.

 Friend-I agree but sometimes when you try to point out how much their lost and need God they get really defensive.

Michael-I agree. That happens sometimes. They're not open to the things of God. Grace won't make sense. If I tried to save someone from drowning and they don't believe they are, they will get defensive, but if we take the time to open up the divine law and show them their state before a just and Holy God, they should want to seek after righteousness. But if they still don't see their need, it's ok to walk off leaving them with the law. Don't give them grace. God resist the proud and gives grace to the humble. So just walk away, pray for them and know that you planted a seed. And those who sow are not always the one that reaps. God's word will never return void.

Dallas Cowboy Evangelism!

This 7 year old Dallas Cowboys' fan got to be on the field prior to the game and as different players came over to say 'Hi', this young man gave these players, who he cares about, a gospel tract telling them about Jesus Christ and how they could receive the free gift of eternal life! We here at Walking In The Way are extactic!! It is such an encouragement to see that kind of love and boldness coming from anyone especially a 7 year old boy! Most of us don't share our faith because of some kind of fear, but it is out of love that we should be sharing our faith regularly and not just sitting on it. This young man cared enough about these players that he wants to tell the about Jesus, where most of us would have brought a jersey or football on the field in hopes to get it signed! God bless you kid and all you to the Glory of God!!

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Genius - The Movie

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Gen XXX: Teens Addicted in a World Awash in Porn

When it comes to pornography, no one is immune. It affects men and women of all ages.

Today, teenagers are bombarded with these images like never before through the Internet. They're growing up in a world awash in X-rated material.

It's a $97 billion business every year, making more than top tech companies Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, eBay, Google, and Yahoo combined.

Roughly 12 percent of the world's websites, 4.2 million of them, offer the illicit material. About 2.5 billion pornographic emails whiz through cyberspace everyday - a whopping 8 percent of all the world's daily emails.

Possibly most astounding of all, 67 percent of men and 49 percent of women now say porn is acceptable.

The Porn Generation

As for young people, the average age they first see it is now 11 years old. Ninety percent of those 8 to 16 years old say they've viewed it online.

Many are now becoming addicted. It's an addiction that could ruin their future lives.

Former addict C.J. Hitz, from Colorado Springs, Colo., was first exposed to porn magazines at age 8, and it led to years of addiction to pornography.

"Our society is just saturated with it," Hitz, author of Forgiveness Formula, told CBN News. "Today's young generation receives more temptation per second than any other generation in the history of mankind."

Every second, 28,258 people are looking at X-rated material online. Every second, people are spending $3,075 on such material.

"Before, pornography was like this dirty, secretive, dark subculture," Aubrey Terry, with the Human Trafficking Task Force in Southern Colorado, said.

She blames the Internet for much of the present X-rated epidemic.

"Now it's accessible to everyone. Now it's everyday life," she said.

Sex Trafficking

Terry knows the dark side of this world. Her sister was trafficked sexually. She herself was first exposed to pornography by a grandfather and an uncle who abused her sexually from when she was 2 years old till she was rescued from them at age 9.

Her first memory: "Having a bottle and being exposed to that kind of stuff," she said.

Hitz's wife, Shelley, co-authored the new book A Christian Woman's Guide to Breaking Free from Pornography. She herself was once an addict and now admits it in talks she gives around the country.

She told CBN News that in today's world of smart phones and handheld computers, young people are often using their own bodies in self-made pornography.

"I'll have teenagers confess to me that they have their phones in the bed. And they're sexting," she said. "Sending pictures of themselves to others. They're sending sexually graphic messages."

Porn in the Church

This hyper-sexualization is hitting just as hard inside the Church as out.

Youth minister Andy Braner, author of the book Alone: Finding Connection in a Lonely World, learned that disturbing truth after criticizing a friend for offering porn channels at his Florida hotel chain.

"And he goes, 'Well, to be honest with you, you know who the biggest consumer of this pornography is?'" Braner remembers his friend asking. "And I'm like, 'What?' And he named a certain denomination. And he said, 'When they do their convention down here, my sales in pornography go through the roof.'"

When Promise Keepers conventions would come to cities, hotels in those towns would often see the use of their X-rated channels going up.

Braner ministers to tens of thousands of Christian teens on the road and at a youth camp he leads near Durango, Colo.

"Ninety percent of the kids who come to us, who come from Christian families that are interested in Christian values, that are learning about Christian worldview, 90 percent of those are deeply addicted to pornography," he said.

Christian Girls 'Sexting'

As Shelley Hitz did research for her book on this addiction, she surveyed Christian women and girls and was shocked to find how many were producing their own porn by sexting.

"They're Christian girls," she emphasized. "Twenty-one percent admitted to sending a naked photo of themselves to someone else through their cellphone."

Aubrey Terry pointed out in today's permissive culture, teen girls are often pressured into sexting by young men.

"It's almost like, 'You don't want to send me that picture? Why? Everyone else does. I asked your friend. She sent it,'" she said.

And Shelley said her research showed many young women use sexting now to lure teen boys.

"I'm finding a lot of parents who are subsidizing smartphones for their kids and saying 'Here you go, have fun,'" Braner said. "They don't understand what they've just given their kids is a portal to whatever they want. And it's unbridled, just Wild Wild West, Internet stuff."

How Porn Addiction Works

In such a world, where pornography is used and consumed so commonly, it's easy to see why so many young people are becoming addicted. This addiction can be just as bad as the hardest drugs.

The group Fight the New Drug presents a video in talks at schools and churches and on their website about how this addiction comes about.

It shows the brain releasing addictive levels of pleasurable chemicals, like dopamine and oxytocin, when a person sexually satisfies themselves with porn.

Over time, synaptic paths in the brain call out for more and more of this satisfaction.

"A kid who's addicted to pornography or starts looking at pornography at 13, 14, 15 years old begins this synaptical connection in the brain," Braner stated. "It's like a muscle. It's like working out. It becomes stronger the more you work it."

The addicted brain then develops stronger cravings for harder stuff to get the same level of satisfaction.

Sounding the Alarm

And nowadays, every kind of hard-core material is right there waiting on the Internet.

The Christian Witherspoon Institute tried to sound the alarm on this by bringing experts in the effects of porn addiction together for a series of lectures that can be seen at socialcostsofpornography.com.

One of them, marriage and family therapist Jill Manning, pointed out, "A teen can access today hard-core material that 15 years ago a seasoned purveyor of pornography would have had a hard time to acquire."

Manning related a conversation she had with a retired FBI agent who'd worked in the area of obscenity.

He told her, "The worst of the worst is online" -- an online world accessible to almost all young people today.

"When they dial up pornography, it's not 'Playboy,'" Braner said of today's teens. "They can dial up whatever word they want to use in a Google search. And if you have a chance to do this -- which I wouldn't recommend -- you'll see that it just gets nastier and nastier and nastier."

And in her Witherspoon Institute lecture, Manning asked, "When is a human being ready to process a rape scene, torture, bestiality, incest, child pornography?"

Objectifying Women
It's ruining the way many young men now look at women.

"There's no question now a woman is something of conquest," Braner said.

"We're missing her spirituality. We're missing her beauty. We're missing her strengths because we're only desiring one piece," Terry said.

"They are more likely to have stronger notions of women as objects," Manning said of heavy porn-users. "This association is particularly strong with audio-visual formats, which is interesting because we know that teenagers have the most access through television and Internet."

Studies show it's making many men and women almost incapable of enjoying sex with their real-life partners.

Pennsylvania psychologist Mary Anne Layden has studied porn addicts for years.

"If they had to choose between an actual sex partner who is in the bed and waiting for them, and going online, they'd go online," she said.

"There is an increased risk of separation and divorce," Manning said. "There's less sensitivity in their marriages. There's decreased sexual satisfaction and decreased sexual relations."

So the teens of today in a world where pornography is available almost anywhere, anytime, need to realize they may be risking their own future marriages.

The Role of Parents

Braner said parents can have a huge role in helping their children avoid all this trouble. But it has to be more than just putting filters on their kids' computers because today's tech-savvy teens can often work right around those.

"I talked to a kid last week," Braner told CBN News. "And he says, 'Filter schmilter. I can get around that. I just Google it in French. And all of a sudden the filters that are exposed to the English language don't pick up on the French words."

"I think parents need to talk to their kids early and often about sexuality," he recommended.

He has four kids at home and said he warns them about the sexual dangers of the Internet all the time.

Because no matter how much parents want to guard their children, Braner warned, the kids are going to hear about sex.

"I want my kids to understand the truth," he said. "And I want it to come from me."

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Santa Monica Nativity Moving to Private Property

A disputed Santa Monica nativity scene in California is moving to private land.  The news comes less than a week after a federal judge ruled that Santa Monica could ban religious displays on public land.

A Christian group has been setting up series of eight-foot Nativity scenes in Palisades Park for nearly six decades.

"We are deeply grateful for the use of this new site to allow all of Santa Monica's distinctive Christmas story to continue spreading the message of joy, hope, and peace found in the Christ child's birth," Hunter Jameson, chairman of Santa Monica's Nativity Scenes Committee, said in a statement.

Still, lawyers for the group say the move to private land is not a resolution to the case, and they plan to file an appeal.

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Pure Religion: Caring for Egypt's Social Outcasts

LUXOR, Egypt - The election of Mohammed Morsi as president gave many Egyptians a sense of optimism and renewed hope. Now, nearly six months later, many are frustrated and impatient as Morsi's promises of change and economic prosperity have yet to be realized.  Twenty-five percent of all Egyptians live at or below the poverty level, earning less than $2 per day. Many of them are widows. An estimated 1.7 million Egyptian children are orphans. But several are surviving with the help of American and Egyptian Christians, who are taking the book of James's admonition to heart: "Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." James 1:27.

"The situation of course is getting worse...there's a lot of insecurities, instability that's happening in Egypt and basically it's the weakest and most vulnerable that suffer the most," said Nermien Riad, founder of Coptic Orphans, a Washington-based group that reaches out to Egyptian widows and their children.

Stopping Perpetual Poverty

"Once a father passes away you have nothing. First step, of course, the children are pulled out of school, you can't afford to send them to school," Riad explained. "They become then the child labor. They then become the child brides. They then become those who are abused. They grow to perpetuate this poverty."

Widows and orphans are treated as social outcasts. Unlike Americans, Egyptians have no unemployment or social security.  Thirty-one-year old Naima Wahib's husband George died from stomach cancer four years ago. She and her two children have struggled ever since. They live in a small, one-room apartment near the city of Luxor.  Sana, a Coptic Orphans volunteer, regularly visits Wahib and her children. "If Christian children here in Upper Egypt are to have a brighter future, they'll need an education," Sana said as she she helped a young boy learning to read. "Eleven-year-old Antonio here could barely read late last year, but after 15 sessions with a volunteer from Coptic Orphans, he now can read Bible stories."

"We started out by just sending money, sending money to the children," Riad said. "Then we realized, 'Wait a minute. To really help them, get them on their feet, we need to focus on education.'"

Widows and Orphans

A tutor provided by Coptic Orphans also helped 16-year-old Kirillos get better grades in school. Last year, the school ranked him No. 2 in his freshman class. His father, a tailor, died at the age of 38. Today, his sewing machine sits idle in this bedroom.  Kirillos' mother learned skills of her own but had no money to get started. Coptic Orphans provided her with the seed money to operate a small hair salon in her home.  "Before I had no social life. I was afraid to go out in public. I didn't have much self -esteem," she said. "I talk to people now. I'm a totally different person. I thank God this salon is providing food and clothing, everything we need." 

"I'm grateful to the Lord that he provided for us through Coptic Orphans," she added. "At the end of the day it's the Lord who is providing for us."  Fifteen-year-old Aiman was only 3 months old when his father died from intestinal bleeding. Coptic Orphans paid his school fees so he could remain in school.  They also paid for his mother Faisa Said's heart surgery. She now does some small sewing jobs to help provide for her family. They live in several rooms of one house, but the landlord wants them to leave.  Aiman took Coptic Orphans volunteer Sana on a tour of the house the organization is building for his family.  "Their help has made a big difference. Coptic Orphans are even building us a house and paid for my heart surgery," Faisa said. "And the children would not have been able to continue with school. They are now doing well in their classes. I am so thankful and grateful to God for the help they've given us."

Tough Days Ahead

Aiman, Kirillos, Antonio and their siblings now have a brighter future because of the help of caring American and Egyptian Christians.  Unfortunately, the rise of the Islamists may cause greater persecution against non-Muslims. That may lead to more widows and orphans in the days ahead.  But Riad said many Christians are ready for the next wave of persecution. She said her organization will be there to help.  "Many of the Christians have told me I am ready to die for Christ, literally. And they will be put in such a situation," Riad said.  "We want to be more and more ready to prepare and to support and to make the Christians in Egypt stronger and stronger," she said. "Christ gives us an offer to work beside him and to me, I think it's the greatest honor."

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No Reason to Hurry

When your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character . . .
–James 1:4 (TLB)

This is a high-strung, neurotic, impatient age. We hurry when there is no reason to hurry—just to be hurrying. This fast-paced age has produced more problems and less morality than previous generations, and it has given all of us jangled nerves. Impatience has produced a new crop of broken homes, or more new ulcers, and has set the stage for more world wars.

10 points to consider about the Flood

By Ken Ham, Answers in Genesis

1. Flood Legends—Hundreds of legends of a massive flood are found in cultures all over the world. This is a great confirmation of the biblical account and exactly what we would expect as nations traveled around the world passing down the account of the Flood. Various aspects of the Flood would be lost and other parts embellished, and that is precisely what we find.

2. Layers—The amount of sediment that was deposited by the waters of the Flood is incredible (estimates are around 700 million cubic kilometers or 168 million cubic miles). Wow! Only a global Flood can explain such extensive layers of rock that everyone agrees was deposited by water.

3. Fossils—95% of the fossils in the layers are marine organisms. That is what we would expect from a global Flood that overtakes the land. Of the remaining 5%, 95% are plants/trees/algae. The remaining fossils (including vertebrates) are rare.

4. The Door—After Noah’s family entered the Ark, the Lord shut the only door (Gen. 7:16). Jesusis the only door by which we can enter to escape the eternal condemnation of hell (John 10:7–9).

5. Kinds not Species—Genesis 7:14 uses the word “kind” (min), which could be equated with the modern species, genus, family, or even order in special cases (most often it is closer to a family level). Often people mistakenly think kind means the modern concept of “species.” But “species” is simply that—a term used in the modern classification system. So equating the two is not wise. When it comes to kinds, there is a dog kind (including wolves, coyotes, dingoes, domestic dogs, etc.), cat kind (including lions, tigers, bobcats, domestic cats, etc.), elephant kind (including Asian elephants, African elephants, mammoths, mastodons, etc.), and so on. This reduces the number of animals that Noah needed on the Ark—two of each kind (two dogs, two cats, etc.), not two of each species.

6. Global in Extent—Throughout Genesis 6—8, the Bible repeatedly uses universal language to describe the Flood: “all the high hills under the whole heaven” (7:19), “mountains were covered” (7:20), etc. Such language indicates that God was accentuating the massive extent of a global Flood. In the same way that the Flood was a universal judgment, so will be the coming judgment of fire (2 Pet. 3:5–7).

7. Ararat—The Bible indicates that the Ark landed “in the mountains of Ararat” (it doesn’t mention any specific mountain), a region extending from eastern Turkey to western Iran. Many people search for the remains of the Ark on Mt. Ararat, but Noah and his family could have landed anywhere in that region.

8. Eating Meat—Man was originally vegetarian (Gen. 1:29), but God first permitted man to eat meat after the Flood (Gen. 9:3).

9. Animal Death—The vast majority of the rock layers that contain fossils are a testament to the Flood of Noah’s day (of course, there have been local catastrophes, like volcanoes, that have produced layers since the Flood). But these fossil layers could not be evidence of millions of years since we find evidence of death in these layers. Death was the result of sin entering creation in Gen. 3 after Adam and Eve ate of the fruit. In fact, the first recorded death of an animal came after Adam and Eve sinned (Gen. 3:21). It was a direct result of man’s sin, so there is a relationship between human sin and animal death.

10. Carnivores—Although animals were originally vegetarian (Gen. 1:30), after man’s sin brought a curse on all creation, they began eating meat. While the Bible doesn’t tell us exactly when animals started eating each other, it’s obvious this happened before the Flood. The fossil record—most of which was formed by the Flood of Noah’s day—contains the fossils of animal bones in the stomachs of other animals. Thus, some animals were eating each other before the Flood. This makes sense because the Bible says that all flesh had corrupted itself (Gen. 6:12).

Matthew 24:38 “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 “and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Unashamed to share the Gospel

Read | 2 Timothy 1:6-12

The apostle Paul understood the awesome responsibility of being entrusted with the gospel. Since he considered this calling a stewardship for which he would one day give an account to the Lord, he was willing to suffer for Christ’s sake in order to complete the task. As believers, we have this same obligation to share the gospel with whomever God places in our lives. However, we must ask ourselves if we have a similar level of commitment.

Paul felt compelled to tell people about Christ. In fact, he said, “Woe is me if I do not” (1 Cor. 9:16). No matter how anyone treated him, he wasn’t ashamed of the message of Christ. The prophet Jeremiah had a similar experience (Jer. 20:7-9). Even though he became a laughingstock and was persecuted for delivering the Lord’s message of coming judgment, he discovered that not speaking created a worse feeling inside—like fire in his bones (v. 9).

We may not want to warn people about God’s judgment for fear of driving them away from Him. But in reality, the lost are already far from the Lord and need to hear about His offer of forgiveness. Paul was willing to die to get the message out, yet too often we’re not even willing to face a little discomfort in order to share our faith.

We are surrounded by people who are desperately hungry for something, and they don’t even know what. Yet we have the answer to their need—and the responsibility to share it. Never be ashamed of the best news ever offered to mankind. It can change someone’s eternal destiny.

The Reason for our Boldness

Read | Romans 1:14-15

Even though most Christians are very familiar with the gospel, many are reluctant to share their faith because they just don’t feel capable of explaining it to someone else. When we lack confidence in our knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, fear of negative reactions or possible questions can keep us from opening our mouths. What if we don’t have the answers or end up looking like a fool? It’s just too intimidating.

But remember, God has given us the most important message in the world. Since we are confronted by so many unscriptural philosophies and religious deceptions, we need to understand the gospel and be able to present it with confidence and boldness. We can’t let fear or ignorance keep us from giving a lost world the only message that can change a person’s eternal destiny.

The apostle Paul welcomed every opportunity to tell people about Christ, because he focused on the gospel’s life-changing power rather than the negative reactions he might encounter. Oftentimes, the reason we are ashamed to talk about our faith is that we’re concerned about ourselves. But if we begin to look at the hurting people around us, express genuine interest in them, and ask God to open a door for us to share our faith, He will answer that prayer.

We tend to be motivated by temporal activities that eventually fade away. But people are forever, and they need to know the Savior. Look for opportunities to reach out: notice their expressions; ask how they’re doing. When their need stirs your heart, you’ll be eager to offer them the gospel.

David Platt world missions Together for the Gospel 2012 sermon jam .m4v

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Jonah: The World's Greatest Fish Story (Jonah) John MacArthur

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ANGUS T. JONES TRASHES 'TWO AND A HALF MEN' It's Ungodly FILTH

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Living in Grace

Read | 2 Corinthians 5:17

Before the apostle Paul's conversion, if someone had suggested that he would impact the world for Jesus, he'd probably have laughed. In fact, his original goal was to rid the world of Christians.

God's grace can impact anyone; no sin is beyond the reach of His forgiveness. This amazing gift of redemption changes lives. Contrary to what many think, being a Christian does not mean adding good deeds to one's life. Instead, believers receive forgiveness by God's grace, and a completely new nature. Our inward transformation results in obvious outward changes.

A beautiful illustration of this is the butterfly's metamorphosis. Once it's in a chrysalis, a caterpillar doesn't merely act or appear different from the outside; it truly has changed inwardly as well.

Transformation for believers occurs in many areas. For example, our attitudes change--salvation by God's grace results in humility and gratitude. Out of thankfulness for this undeserved free gift flows compassion for the lost and a desire to share the gospel with them. Experiencing Christ's forgiveness also results in a longing to serve Him. This does not need to be in a formal church setting; we serve Him by loving others, helping those in need, and telling them about salvation.

While there are still natural consequences for our sin, God offers us forgiveness and redemption through Jesus. He made a way to restore our broken relationship with Him. What's more, our Father transforms our lives so we will become more like His Son and reflect His heart to others.

Everything is under grace! We are saved by grace through faith. We most also not forget though, that grace has an expiration date!

Wretched: Will everyone go to heaven?

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Friendly Fire

“Friendly fire” can be as deadly as an enemy bullet. Always be mindful that attacks can come from the closest of friends and family. They are the ones who can hurt if you let your guard down and forget that you are not wrestling against flesh and blood (see Eph. 6:12–20). It was Peter who attempted to discourage Jesus from going to the cross. But Jesus knew the source of the attack and said, “Get behind me, Satan” (Matt. 16:23). Do the same in your heart when attacked in such a way. Keep your shield of faith held high.

Job 2:9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Grace Changes Everything

Read | 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Our lives are hopeless without God. We are born with a "flesh" nature and continue to choose wrong paths throughout our lives. The penalty for sin is death and eternal separation from God. No one is exempt from this biblical truth. And there is nothing that any of us can do to change the situation.

Enter God's grace, His unmerited favor toward us. We can't do anything to earn it. He blesses us according to His goodness, apart from anything we have done.

Consider the apostle Paul, whose original intent was to persecute anyone claiming the name of Jesus. He played a significant role in the brutal violence aimed at Christians and, in his own words, was the "chief" of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15 kjv). Nothing he did deserved God's love.

Divine grace led the Almighty to reach down and forgive this hateful zealot who blasphemed Jesus' name. God lovingly transformed him into a man who dedicated himself to sharing the gospel message. Paul's life illustrates grace beautifully.

We are unable to do enough good deeds to earn our way to heaven. Salvation is possible only because by grace, Christ died on the cross. The one who took the punishment for our sin deserves all credit for our redemption.

Jesus' death covered the sins of the entire world. There is no transgression too great for Him to forgive. We can add nothing to His act of atonement; all we can do is receive this free gift. If we repent (turn away from sin) and trust in Christ as Savior, God will save us, making us His children forever.

Alienated

Atheists attest to the fact that their spirit (their God-conscious part) is dead. They know God exists intellectually—because of their conscience and creation—but they are not aware of His omnipresence because they are dead spiritually. They are like a fish in the ocean that is not aware of the ocean.

“We are born dead in trespasses and sins, alienated, cut off, detached from the life of God. The day that man believed the devil’s lie (which is sin), he forfeited the life that distinguished him from the animal kingdom—the life of God. When sin came in, the life went out.” Ian Thomas

Ephesians 4:18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;

Overcoming Discouragement

Read | Psalm 42:5-11

Whenever you're feeling down, the best place to turn is the Psalms. In today's passage, the writer asks: "Why are you in despair, O my soul?" (v. 5). Surprisingly, this question is the first step in overcoming discouragement.

Look within. Before you can deal with your despair, you need to know what is causing it. If you're not sure, ask the Lord to help you figure out what's going on inside you.

Look up. The next step is to lift up your eyes to the Lord and place your hope in Him. Remember, discouragement comes to everybody at one time or another, but it doesn't have to stay. In the course of time, you "shall again praise Him for the help of His presence" (v. 5).

Look back. Despair has a way of erasing our memory of all the good the Lord has done for us over the years. Instead of wallowing in our present misery, we must make an effort to remember His past care and provision. Then our faith will overpower discouragement (v. 6).

Look Ahead. Knowing that God's plans for us are good, we can look forward to what He going to do in the future. His lovingkindness will support us by day and bring comfort by night as we trust Him to work all things out for our good (v. 8).

When your focus is right, you'll respond correctly to discouragement. The key is to fix your eyes on the Lord. Circumstances may cause you to think He's forgotten about you (v. 9), but His Word promises that He's there and will bring you through the valley. Even if you feel lonely, you're never alone.

Strengthen yourself in The Lord

Read | 1 Samuel 30:1-8

After an exhausting three-day journey, David and his men finally arrived home to find a scene of devastation. Their homes were burned to the ground, and their families were missing. Utter despair engulfed them, but David's distress soon increased when his men's grief turned into bitter anger and they spoke of stoning him.

Most of us won't experience this extreme a situation, but we can identify with David's discouragement. Sometimes despair follows a personal tragedy or loss, but it can also result from the weariness of ongoing daily pressures. Family problems, unemployment, financial difficulties, and health issues may make discouragement a constant companion. The same can happen with emotional struggles over feelings of unworthiness, failure to overcome an addictive habit, the pain of criticism, or fear of inadequacy.

Despair can grip anyone unexpectedly, but the Lord doesn't want us to stay in a fog of depression. We often can't avoid the situations that lead us into discouragement, but we do have a choice whether to stay in that condition. Instead of caving in to misery, David chose to strengthen himself in the Lord. He recognized that God was the only one who could give him the proper perspective on the problem and provide the guidance he needed.

When you're discouraged, where do you turn? Perhaps the last thing you want to do is read Scripture and pray--at first, the passages may seem like meaningless words and your prayers might feel empty. But if you persist in crying out to God, you'll eventually find His comforting strength.

Who's Son is He?

To us there is but one God, the Father . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ . . .
–1 Corinthians 8:6

Ultimately, in one way or another, or at one time or another, we shall be faced with this question: What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is He? If Jesus Christ is not who He claimed to be, He is a deceiver, or an egomaniac. We must answer this question with both belief and action. We must not only believe something about Jesus, but we must do something about Him. We must accept Him, or reject Him.

Jesus made clear who He was, and why He came into the world. He asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” They told Him of a variety of designations on the human level. Then Jesus turned to them and asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” Whereupon Peter replied with his historic affirmation, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13–16).

This is the apex of faith. This is the pinnacle of belief. This is where the faith of each must rest if he hopes for salvation. Christ is inescapable! You, too, must decide, “What shall I do with Christ?”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY
You are the Christ, Lord Jesus, Son of the living God! In adoration I worship You—my Redeemer.

Seek The Lord

Too many believers are satisfied to have a shallow relationship with the Lord. They'll seek answers to prayer or relief in times of suffering but are unwilling to sit quietly for an extended period of time just getting to know Him through prayer and His Word. Yet the most important pursuit in a believer's life is building a relationship with God. To forfeit this great blessing is a tragedy.

God doesn't need anything from you, but He desires your loving devotion and intimate fellowship. Is that what you want too? If so, are you willing to make the necessary commitment? Seeking the Lord cannot be hurried. It will cost you time and effort, but the rewards are worth any sacrifice.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Walking In The Way to you and your family where ever you are! And give thanks to The Lord, for He is good!!

Genius The Movie Trailer

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God's Word

Do we delight in the Word of God? Do we rejoice in God’s Word as one who finds great treasure? (See Psa. 119:162.) The key is to consume the Word of God, to meditate upon the Word, to digest it and let it become part of us. The Bible is a supernatural book, and can give us supernatural energy to do the will of God (see also Neh. 8:1–12). Too many fail to read the Bible every day. They find time to feed their stomach each day, but refuse to make time to read God’s Word. Don’t let your belly take precedence over reading the Bible. Forget your food rather than forget the Word of God. (See Exod. 34:28.)

Jeremiah 6:10 To whom shall I speak and give warning,
That they may hear?
Indeed their ear is uncircumcised,
And they cannot give heed.
Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them;
They have no delight in it.

The Function of the Law

The reason for sorcery, adultery, false witness, and other transgressions of God’s Law is a lack of the fear of God. Never hesitate to preach the fear of God. It causes sinners to depart from sin (see Prov. 16:6). Preach the thunderings and lightnings of Mount Sinai and preach future punishment!

The preaching of the Law without retribution will not be effective in winning souls for Christ. It has been well said that God’s Law without consequence is nothing but good advice. The world will agree with “You shall not kill.” That makes sense. They will smile at “You shall not commit adultery.” They know it destroys families. They will give assent to “You shall not bear false witness.” They know that it harms friendships. The Ten Commandments certainly are good advice. However, when you preach the Law with the message that God “will judge the world in righteousness” (as Paul preached in Athens; see Acts 17:22–31), your listeners may be provoked to say, “We will hear you again on this matter” (Acts 17:32). And sinners will be soundly saved.

Malachi 3:5 And I will come near you for judgment;
I will be a swift witness
Against sorcerers,
Against adulterers,
Against perjurers,
Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans,
And against those who turn away an alien—
Because they do not fear Me,”
Says the Lord of hosts.

Obstacles to Obedience

Read | 2 Kings 5:11-17

Obedience is a powerful action that can unleash God's glory in ways beyond our imagination. Yet obeying is often difficult because our desires are being put to the test. Sometimes we're afraid to do what He says, for fear of losing what is important to us. But choosing not to obey may actually cost us the very thing we desire most.

Three obstacles initially kept Naaman from following God's instructions--and almost kept him from a miraculous healing.

Pride. As a high-ranking official, Naaman feared losing his dignity, were he to obey. Conversely, his servants had the wisdom to see how pride was robbing him of life. How often do we balk at doing what God says, from fear of looking foolish?

Self-centered expectations. Naaman was furious when his very specific expec-tations weren't met. We, too, often get angry at the Lord when He doesn't comply with our demands. But if we really want His perfect will, we absolutely must "let Him" do things His way.

Unbelief. Because Naaman's faith only extended to his vision of how he would be healed, he initially didn't see how obeying would cure his leprosy. It took the faith of his servants to help him see the truth: that obedience was key to unlocking God's answer to his greatest need.

The call to obey often uncovers strongholds from which the Lord wants to free us. When we choose to respond in faith, He reveals Himself in a new way to us that strengthens our trust in Him--because ultimately, our greatest need is to know Him better.

God's Opportunities

Read | 2 Kings 5:1-10

Every time we follow God's leading, our obedience opens the door for Him to do great things in our lives. Yet we often resist obeying because His directions appear impractical and unreasonable--and so we doubt His intentions toward us.

Naaman couldn't understand why the Lord would tell him to go wash seven times in the Jordan River. He thought he'd already exercised faith in coming to the prophet Elisha. He'd hoped for a spectacular supernatural healing of his disease--not to be sent on what seemed an irrational fool's mission. After all, the great Syrian commander didn't see anyone else dipping in the muddy waters and being healed. But God's instructions were specifically for him, and no one else.

If you decide you'll do what God says only on the basis of what you see others doing, you'll miss out on His best for you. Suppose Naaman decided he just couldn't do something that appeared so crazy. He would have died a leper. Likewise, when you hold out on completely obeying God, you'll never know what He would have done in your life had you only trusted Him.

Our needs are opportunities for God to transform the lives of His children. He knows that for us to become everything He created us to be, we must learn to believe in His trustworthiness--and act on it.

When facing a challenge, you have two choices. You can focus on what you lack and how God doesn't appear to be responding the way you wanted. Or, you can recognize that your need indicates His desire to teach you something--and rejoice over all He plans to accomplish.

Street meetings - Leonard Ravenhill

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Pakistan: Radicals Burn Church

Muslims wrote on church wall, “Allah is great, O Allah help and love Prophet”

On Friday afternoon, Sept. 21, a mob of several thousand radical Muslims attacked St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mardan City, Pakistan. The attackers, armed with rifles and kerosene, overwhelmed security guards and broke into the church. They destroyed Bibles and prayer books, desecrated the altar and set fire to the church building and several surrounding homes and buildings. The mob was returning from a protest against the film Innocence of Muslims, which has sparked violence in many Middle Eastern countries this month and led to the death of Christopher Stevens, U.S. Ambassador to Libya. In Pakistan, the government had declared Sept. 21 a national holiday in honor of Muhammad, and the day had been set aside for peaceful protests.

The attack on the 82-year-old church lasted for five hours. The church staff was able to flee, but those who lived on the campus lost everything. An adjoining high school, a Christian library, a computer laboratory, the bishop’s house, the bishop’s office, a pastor’s house and the school principal’s house were all burned. The mob also burned a car, three motorcycles and three bicycles. More than 2,000 Bibles, 100 New Testaments and several hundred Christian books and DVDs were destroyed. The attackers spray-painted the words “God is great,” “Oh God help us” and “Love our prophet” on the church steeple.

St. Paul’s in Mardan, which is about 30 miles from Peshawar, was built by British colonists in 1937. The church is active in sharing the gospel with Muslims and also operates a Christian book store. A mosque is directly across the street from the church. In the last two years, the church staff has received six phone calls in which callers threatened to kill them if they didn’t stop preaching and distributing Christian literature.

The day after the attack, church members and other local Christians gathered in front of the burned buildings to express their disappointment at the local government for failing to protect their church. On Sunday, Sept. 23, more than 1,000 people — many more than the church’s usual congregation of 300 — attended a prayer meeting at the church site.

Pastor Gulam Shad, a church staff member and VOM volunteer, shared a message from Rev. 2:10: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (ESV). He reminded the crowd that the Lord knows our suffering. “The teaching of Christ is to forgive our enemies,” Pastor Gulam said. “His teachings are on forgiveness and kindness. Today we have to be a role model for other nations so they can see from us how we follow the teachings of our Lord.”

The same church was bombed in September 2010, after an American pastor publicly burned a Quran. Three security guards, including a Muslim, were injured in the attack. After the bombing, VOM provided the church with a generator, which was destroyed during the violence last week.

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Kenya: Pastor Killed in Attack

On Sunday morning, Nov. 4, suspected Muslim extremists hurled a grenade onto the roof of the Utawala Interdenominational Church, killing a police chaplain and injuring at least 11 others. The church, which is located inside a police compound in Garissa, serves police officers stationed at the compound as well as their families.

Witnesses said the grenade was thrown from outside the compound at about 10 a.m. and landed on the church’s sheet-iron roof. Administration Police Chaplain Julius Mukonzi, who was killed in the attack, was delivering a sermon from the pulpit when the grenade detonated over his head. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire shortly after the attack.

At least 11 of the estimated 40 worshipers inside the church were injured in the attack. The wounded were treated at the Garissa Provincial General Hospital, and three were later airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment. Most of the wounded were police officers.

Other churches ended their services early as news of the attack spread throughout the area. Local church leaders have called for an inquiry into the recent increase in anti-Christian violence.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, authorities believe it was carried out by the Muslim extremist group al-Shabab. Police initiated a massive security operation as a result of the incident.

Al-Shabab has staged several similar attacks in the past year, including a grenade attack on a Nairobi church in September that killed a 9-year-old boy and an attack in Garissa on July 1 that killed 18 people.

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India: Arrested for Baptisms

“I enquired about the possession of the Christian spirit, and the reply came … that it was the Holy Spirit. Well, at any cost I didn’t want to be robbed of this new life and hence started learning Christianity.”

Thus began the journey of Reverend Chander Mani Khanna from high-caste Hindu devotee to dedicated Christian pastor arrested for baptizing former Muslims.
Pastor Khanna converted to Christianity in 1969 at the age of 22. He later became a minister in the Church of North India, an Anglican denomination, and was called to serve at All Saints Church in India’s Kashmir region. While India is Hindu majority, most people in Kashmir are Muslim. India has the world’s third-largest Muslim community, and the Kashmir region is unofficially governed by Islamic courts.

The few hundred Christians in Kashmir are increasingly harassed by Muslims. Churches are often surrounded by Muslims during worship services, and young believers are constantly watched and threatened. Islamists also circulate hate literature with a racial undertone against Christians. The media participates in this bias, portraying Christians as people who use women, alcohol and swine blood (deeply offensive to Muslims) in their religious practices.

As the leader of a mainline church, Khanna was well known in the community. He was involved in community-wide reconciliation events between Muslims and Christians. In 2011, several young Muslim men began attending the church and asked Khanna to baptize them. He emphasized that there would be no financial incentive or other benefit for conversion, but they insisted. Khanna baptized the seven men in a public event that someone recorded and later posted on YouTube. Word began to spread that the pastor was converting Muslims through allurement.

Khanna was summoned to appear before the Grand Mufti, an Islamic religious leader with great influence in the region. Khanna was arrested on Nov. 19, and police searched his home for further evidence of conversion by allurement. The men who were baptized continued to assert that they were not enticed to convert, but local newspaper reports cited anonymous police sources who claimed the men were financially rewarded. “You would hang your head in shame at what was written about [the pastor’s] family,” said a VOM partner.

Khanna spent 40 days in prison. “I had the strange experience of boldness and believed the Lord had given me a job, and I did it with grace,” Khanna said. He was released on bail on Dec. 1 and expelled from Kashmir. The case against Khanna was dropped on Feb. 16 because of a lack of evidence against him.

Though he was not convicted, the ordeal took a toll on Khanna’s church position and his family. His wife became ill and was deeply disillusioned at the lack of support from the church. Denominational leadership subtly communicated that Khanna should not have baptized the converts from Islam.
When he retired on Jan. 16, Khanna was let go without a pension. VOM’s partner in India, who had been assisting Khanna with legal representation because lawyers in Kashmir refused to represent him, offered Khanna a job at their office in Bangalore. These days, Khanna spends his time speaking on behalf of persecuted Christians in churches around India. The new job is a great encouragement to him. He has regained confidence, and his wife’s health is improving. “I am not bothered by what happened to me, but I glorify the Lord,”he said.

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